Scientist Makes Bid For Board

YORK (COUNTY) — Archie Fripp is challenging incumbent Paul Wilson to represent the northern section of the county on the School Board.

Wilson is seeking appointment to a second four-year term on the board, said Alice Pennington, a member of the School Board Selection Commission.

The commission will hold a public hearing on the candidates at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Circuit Court.

The commission will interview the candidates privately before or after the hearing, Pennington said.

The group will choose a board member June 21.

Wilson and Fripp live in the Queens Lake neighborhood near Williamsburg.

Wilson is an attorney and businessman. Fripp, who unsuccessfully sought appointment to the School Board four years ago, is a research scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Hampton.

Pennington said other candidates could be considered for the post if their applications are received before Thursday's hearing.

She said one other person has indicated some interest, but she did not know that person's name.

Pennington said one matter she planned to ask Wilson about in Thursday's interview is his attendance at board meetings.

Wilson "definitely missed some meetings recently," she said.

"There could be a very good reason for it," she added, noting that Wilson's average attendance record during his term might be fine.

Wilson, who was unavailable for comment Monday, represents School Board District 1, which includes most of the Bruton area in the far northern end of York County.

As a lawyer, Wilson specializes in corporate and real estate matters.

He is also involved in restaurant and hotel ventures in the Williamsburg area.

Pennington urged anyone interested in the candidates or school issues to come to the public hearing.